Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE Urdu As A Second Language

SYLLABUS
Cambridge IGCSE®
Urdu as a Second Language
0539
For examination in June 2016
Cambridge Secondary 2
Changes to syllabus for 2016
This syllabus has been updated, but there are no significant changes.
Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres are
permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission
to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a
Centre.
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations
© Cambridge International Examinations 2014

Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?
1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language?
1.4 Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education)
1.5 How can I find out more?
2. Teacher support.............................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Support materials
2.2 Resource lists
2.3 Training
3. Assessment at a glance ................................................................................................. 6

3.1 Scheme of assessment
3.2 Availability
3.3 Combining this with other syllabuses
4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives ..................................................................... 8

4.1 Syllabus aims
4.2 Assessment objectives
4.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components
4.4 Grade descriptions
5. Syllabus content ........................................................................................................... 12
6. Description of components .......................................................................................... 14

6.1 Paper 1: Reading and Writing
6.2 Paper 2: Listening
6.3 Component 5: Speaking (optional)
7. Administration of the Speaking Test ............................................................................ 19

7.1 Conducting the Speaking Test
7.2 Administrative arrangements
7.3 Arrangements for external moderation
7.4 Speaking Assessment Criteria grid (0539/05)
8. Other information ......................................................................................................... 27

Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?

Recognition
Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes
and qualifications for learners aged 5 to 19. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the
University of Cambridge, trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the
world’s universities and employers.
Cambridge IGCSE® (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is internationally

recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent in demand to UK GCSEs. Learn more at
www.cie.org.uk/recognition
Excellence in education
Our mission is to deliver world-class international education through the provision of high-quality curricula,
assessment and services.
More than 9000 schools are part of our Cambridge learning community. We support teachers in over 160
countries who offer their learners an international education based on our curricula and leading to our
qualifications. Every year, thousands of learners use Cambridge qualifications to gain places at universities
around the world.
Our syllabuses are reviewed and updated regularly so that they reflect the latest thinking of international
experts and practitioners and take account of the different national contexts in which they are taught.
Cambridge programmes and qualifications are designed to support learners in becoming:

• confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.
Support for teachers

A wide range of materials and resources is available to support teachers and learners in Cambridge schools.
Resources suit a variety of teaching methods in different international contexts. Through subject discussion
forums and training, teachers can access the expert advice they need for teaching our qualifications. More
details can be found in Section 2 of this syllabus and at www.cie.org.uk/teachers
Support for exams officers

Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entries and excellent personal support
from our customer services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
2 Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539. Syllabus for examination in 2016.
Introduction
Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge

We are a not-for-profit organisation where the needs of the teachers and learners are at the core of what we
do. We continually invest in educational research and respond to feedback from our customers in order to
improve our qualifications, products and services.
Our systems for managing the provision of international qualifications and education programmes for
learners aged 5 to 19 are certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard for quality
management, ISO 9001:2008. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/ISO9001
1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?

Cambridge IGCSEs are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabuses provide
opportunities for contextualised learning and the content has been created to suit a wide variety of schools,
avoid cultural bias and develop essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving.
Our aim is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills in our programmes and qualifications to enable
candidates to become effective learners and to provide a solid foundation for their continuing educational
journey.
Through our professional development courses and our support materials for Cambridge IGCSEs, we
provide the tools to enable teachers to prepare learners to the best of their ability and work with us in the
pursuit of excellence in education.
Cambridge IGCSEs are considered to be an excellent preparation for Cambridge International AS and
A Levels, the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Group Award,
Cambridge Pre-U, and other education programmes, such as the US Advanced Placement program
and the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. Learn more about Cambridge IGCSEs at
www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2
Guided learning hours

Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are designed on the assumption that learners have about 130 guided learning
hours per subject over the duration of the course, but this is for guidance only. The number of hours
required to gain the qualification may vary according to local curricular practice and the learners’ prior
experience of the subject.
1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language?

Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language is recognised by universities and employers as proof of
knowledge and understanding of the language. Learners studying the syllabus are often studying the
language in order to promote their educational or employment prospects. They gain an understanding of a
wide range of social registers and styles, and learn to communicate appropriately. The topics selected relate
to the interests and needs of the learners in using Urdu as a Second Language, e.g. education, the world of
work, current affairs, health and welfare, travel, school affairs.
Prior learning
Learners beginning this course are expected to have had prior contact with Urdu at school and/or in their
community.
Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language 0539. Syllabus for examination in 2016. 3
Introduction
Progression
Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable candidates to either progress directly to
employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.
Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language are well
prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level Urdu, or the equivalent.
1.4 Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education)

Cambridge ICE is a group award for Cambridge IGCSE. It gives schools the opportunity to benefit
from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of learners who pass
examinations in at least seven subjects. To qualify for the Cambridge ICE award learners are required to
have studied subjects from five groups: two languages from Group 1, and one subject from each of the
remaining four groups. The seventh subject can be taken from any of the five subject groups.
Urdu as a Second Language (0539) falls into Group 1, Languages.
Learn more about Cambridge ICE at www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2
The Cambridge ICE is awarded from examinations administered in the June and November series each year.
1.5 How can I find out more?

If you are already a Cambridge school
You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels. If you have any questions, please
contact us at info@cie.org.uk
If you are not yet a Cambridge school

Learn about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge school at www.cie.org.uk/startcambridge. Email us at
info@cie.org.uk to find out how your organisation can register to become a Cambridge school.
Teacher support
2. Teacher support
2.1 Support materials

Cambridge syllabuses, past question papers and examiner reports to cover the last examination series are
on the Syllabus and Support Materials DVD, which we send to all Cambridge schools.
You can also go to our public website at www.cie.org.uk/igcse to download current and future syllabuses
together with specimen papers or past question papers and examiner reports from one series.
For teachers at registered Cambridge schools a range of additional support materials for specific
syllabuses is available from Teacher Support, our secure online support for Cambridge teachers. Go to
http://teachers.cie.org.uk (username and password required).
2.2 Resource lists

We work with publishers providing a range of resources for our syllabuses including textbooks, websites,
CDs etc. Any endorsed, recommended and suggested resources are listed on both our public website and
on Teacher Support.
The resource lists can be filtered to show all resources or just those which are endorsed or recommended
by Cambridge. Resources endorsed by Cambridge go through a detailed quality assurance process and are
written to align closely with the Cambridge syllabus they support.
2.3 Training
We offer a range of support activities for teachers to ensure they have the relevant knowledge and skills to
deliver our qualifications. See www.cie.org.uk/events for further information.
Assessment at a glance
3. Assessment at a glance
3.1 Scheme of assessment

For Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language, all candidates take two components: Paper 1 Reading
and Writing and Paper 2 Listening.
Candidates may choose to take a third component: Component 5 Speaking.
Paper 1 (Compulsory) Duration Weighting
Reading and Writing 2 hours 67%

Section 1: four exercises – reading, information
transfer, note-making and summary writing.
Section 2: two exercises – reading and writing.
Paper 2 (Compulsory) Duration Weighting
Listening Approx. 35–45 minutes 33%

Four comprehension exercises.
Centres may also choose to enter candidates for speaking. Marks for this optional component do not
contribute to the overall grade candidates receive. Instead, where candidates perform to an appropriate
standard, certificates record the achievement of grades 1 (high) to 5 (low) in speaking.
Component 5 (Optional) Duration Weighting
Component 5 Speaking 10–12 minutes N/A
3.2 Availability
This syllabus is examined in the June examination series.
This syllabus is available to private candidates.
Detailed timetables are available from www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
Centres in the UK that receive government funding are advised to consult the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach this syllabus.
Assessment at a glance
3.3 Combining this with other syllabuses

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge syllabus, except:
• syllabuses with the same title at the same level
• 3247 Cambridge O Level First Language Urdu
• 3248 Cambridge O Level Second Language Urdu.
Please note that Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate and Cambridge
O Level syllabuses are at the same level.
Syllabus aims and assessment objectives
4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives
4.1 Syllabus aims

The syllabus assesses candidates’ ability to use Urdu as a medium of practical communication and is aimed
at candidates for whom Urdu is not a first language/mother tongue but a lingua franca or language of study.
4.2 Assessment objectives

The assessment objectives (AOs) have been grouped under skill headings, but it is recognised that these
are interrelated.
AO1: READING – Understand and respond to written language

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
R1 understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms
R2 select and organise material relevant to specific purposes
R3 recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions
R4 infer information from texts.
AO2: WRITING – Communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately in writing

W1 communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
W2 convey information and express opinions effectively
W3 employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
W4 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of appropriate vocabulary
W5 observe conventions of paragraphing, punctuation and spelling
W6 employ appropriate register/style.
AO3: LISTENING – Understand and respond to spoken language

L1 understand and respond to information presented in a variety of forms
L2 recognise, understand and distinguish between facts, ideas and opinions
L3 select and organise material relevant to specific purposes.
AO4: SPEAKING – Understand and respond to spoken language

S1 communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately
S2 convey information, articulate experience and express thoughts and opinions
S3 employ and control a variety of grammatical structures
S4 demonstrate knowledge of a range of appropriate vocabulary
S5 employ suitable pronunciation and stress patterns
S6 listen to and respond appropriately to the contributions of another person.
4.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components

Paper 1 Reading and Writing
Assessment Section 1 Section 2
Objective
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6
AO1 R1 9 9 9 9 9
R2 9 9 9
R3 9 9 9
R4 9 9 9
AO2 W1 9 9
W2 9 9
W3 9 9
W4 9 9
W5 9 9
W6 9 9
Paper 2 Listening
Assessment Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4
Objective
AO3 L1 9 9 9 9
L2 9 9
L3 9 9
Component 5 Speaking
Assessment Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Objective
AO4 S1 9 9 9
S2 9 9 9
S3 9 9 9
S4 9 9 9
S5 9 9 9
S6 9 9
Weighting of assessment objectives
The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives are summarised below.
Assessment Paper 1 Paper 2 Component 5 Weighting for
Objective (marks) (marks) (marks) qualification
AO1 36 40%
AO2 24 27%
AO3 30 33%
AO4 60 N/A
4.4 Grade descriptions

Grade descriptions are provided to give a general indication of the standards of achievement likely to have
been shown by candidates awarded particular grades. The grade awarded will depend in practice upon the
extent to which the candidate has met the assessment objectives overall, and may conceal weakness in
one aspect of the examination that is balanced by above-average performance in some other.
At Grade A, the candidate has demonstrated expertise by:

• understanding and communicating arguments, ideas and information both at a straightforward and a
more complex level
• structuring work overall so that the reader can follow the argument from the beginning to the end
• selecting material from texts and developing it in relationship to the question, sufficient to show some
independence of thought
• recognising and explaining underlying meaning and the writer’s attitude to the subject matter
• varying style in different types of writing and giving evidence of a good range of language
• spelling and punctuating accurately (with few if any mistakes)
• using well constructed paragraphs and sentences and obeying standard grammatical conventions.
At Grade C, the candidate has demonstrated competence by:

• understanding and communicating arguments, ideas and information at a straightforward level
• ensuring that all work has a clear beginning, middle and ending, and that ideas generally follow on from
one another
• selecting material from texts in answer to questions and providing straightforward explanations and
developments to show relevance
• recognising more obvious meanings and attitudes
• writing with some knowledge of style and the possibility of varying it according to different types of
writing; using a range of language adequate to all the tasks set
• spelling and punctuating with accuracy
• using adequate paragraphing and some variety of sentence construction and showing awareness of
standard grammatical conventions.
At Grade F, the candidate has demonstrated a basic level of competence by:

• understanding and communicating information at a basic level
• ensuring that all work has a basic sequence
• selecting material from texts in answer to questions and providing basic explanations
• recognising straightforward meanings and attitudes
• writing at least in single sentences with the possibility of sentence variety according to different types of
writing; using language adequate to some of the tasks set
• spelling and punctuating so that weaknesses do not seriously impair communication
• using occasional paragraphing and variety of sentence construction, with some regard to everyday
grammatical conventions.
Syllabus content
5. Syllabus content
Assessment
Objective
Reading All candidates should be able to:

• understand public notices and signs (including timetables and advertisements)
• extract relevant specific information from forms, letters, brochures and examples of
imaginative writing considered likely to be within the experience of and reflecting the
interests of young people from varied cultural backgrounds
• scan for particular information, organise the relevant information and present it in a
logical manner/given format.
In addition, candidates aiming for grades C–A* should be able to:

• extract relevant information from a wider range of texts, including magazines and
newspapers likely to be read by young people
• identify the important points or themes within an extended piece of writing
• draw conclusions from and see relations within an extended text.
Writing All candidates should be able to:

• carry out simple writing tasks, e.g. completing forms and short pieces in an
appropriate and accurate form of Urdu in response to a written stimulus
• describe, report and give personal information
• identify, organise and present given material in a particular form.

• carry out longer writing tasks on a wider range of topics in response to a written
stimulus.
Listening All candidates should be able to:

• demonstrate understanding of specific details, information and semi-formal
announcements in contexts such as news, weather, travel broadcasts, and in
interviews, dialogues and telephone conversations
• demonstrate general comprehension of the speaker’s intentions where appropriate.

• identify the important points or themes of the material they hear, including attitudes
• draw conclusions from and identify the relationships between ideas within the
material they hear
• show awareness of major variations in register.
Syllabus content
Speaking All candidates should be able to:

• demonstrate competence in a range of speech activities, e.g. respond to questions
on topics within a defined range, such as past and present schooling, future plans and
current affairs
• take part in a sustained conversation.

• demonstrate greater flexibility in dealing with new, topical ideas
• show a sense of audience.
Description of components
6. Description of components
6.1 Paper 1: Reading and Writing

All questions and responses to be in Urdu.
Total mark: 60
Duration: 2 hours
For all parts of this paper, candidates write their answers in spaces provided in the question paper booklet.
Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.
The question paper is divided into two sections, as follows, and candidates should attempt all exercises:
Section 1
• Exercise 1 – Reading exercise: candidates will be required to answer a series of questions testing
skim-/gist-reading skills, requiring short (single word/phrase) answers, based on a short text printed in
the question paper. The text will be one of the following types: advertisement, brochure, leaflet, guide,
report, manual, instructions.
Assessment objective: R1
Total mark: 6
• Exercise 2 – Information transfer: candidates will be required to complete a form/notes template on the
basis of information provided in the question paper.
Assessment objectives: R1, R2, R4
Total mark: 7
• Exercise 3 – Note making: candidates will be required to make brief notes (under a supplied heading or
headings) relating to a text printed in the question paper.
Assessment objectives: R1, R2, R3, R4
Total mark: 7
• Exercise 4 – Summary writing: candidates will be required to write a paragraph-length summary about
an aspect or aspects of a passage printed in the question paper.
Assessment objectives: R1, R2, R3, W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6
Total mark: 10
Section 2
• Exercise 5 – Reading exercise: candidates will be required to answer a series of questions testing more
detailed comprehension, based on a text printed in the question paper. The text will take the form of a
report/newspaper/magazine article.
Assessment objectives: R1, R3, R4
Total mark: 10
• Exercise 6 – Writing exercise: candidates will be required to write approximately 150–200 words of
continuous prose, in response to a short stimulus (which may take the form of pictures) and/or short
prompts printed in the question paper. A purpose, format and audience for the writing will be specified.
Assessment objectives: W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6
Total mark: 20
6.2 Paper 2: Listening

All questions and responses to be in Urdu.
Total mark: 30
Duration: approx. 35–45 minutes
For all parts of this paper, candidates write their answers in spaces provided in a question paper booklet.
Dictionaries may not be used in the examination.
Each exercise tests listening comprehension of recorded texts (e.g. dialogues, interviews, conversations,
talks) on a CD played in the examination room. All listening material will be heard twice by candidates and
appropriate pauses for candidates to write answers will be included on the recording.
The CD is controlled by the invigilator of the examination, not the candidate(s). For details about room,
equipment, checking the CD in advance and guidance on acoustics, teachers/invigilators should consult the
relevant sections of the Cambridge Handbook.
The question paper is divided into four exercises, as follows, and candidates should attempt all exercises:
• Exercise 1 – Six comprehension items based on a series of short spoken texts (e.g. travel
announcement, answerphone message, brief message), requiring short answers.
Assessment objectives: L1
Total mark: 6
• Exercise 2 – Comprehension exercise based on a longer spoken text (e.g. conversation, interview,
monologue, talk): candidates will be required to complete gaps in a form or chart printed in the question
paper.
Assessment objectives: L1, L3
Total mark: 8
• Exercise 3 – Information correction exercise based on a longer spoken text (e.g. conversation, interview,
monologue, talk): candidates will be required to correct information in notes printed in the question
paper.
Assessment objectives: L1, L2
Total mark: 6
• Exercise 4 – Comprehension exercise based on a longer spoken text (e.g. conversation, interview,
monologue, talk): candidates will be required to answer open-ended questions, with short or sentence-
length answers.
Assessment objectives: L1, L2, L3
Total mark: 10
6.3 Component 5: Speaking (optional)

Total mark: 60
Duration: 10–12 minutes
There is no question paper for the Speaking Test. The Speaking Test will be conducted and assessed in
Urdu. Speaking Tests take place during a period before the main examination series (see Section 7). The
Centre must leave sufficient time to send material to Cambridge for external moderation by the advertised
deadline.
A teacher/examiner at the Centre assesses candidates using the Speaking Assessment Criteria grid (see
Section 7).
The examiner will usually be someone from the Centre’s languages department, but could be someone local
from outside the Centre.
The examiner will conduct and internally assess the tests, and will submit a recorded sample of candidates’
performances for external moderation by Cambridge. Centres will receive a brief report on the outcome of
moderation.
Full instructions on the administration of the Speaking Test are provided later in this booklet to be read in
conjunction with general advice on submission of samples for moderation at www.cie.org.uk/samples
There will be three parts to the test:

Part 1
2–3 minute presentation by the candidate on a chosen topic [20 marks]
The topic of the presentation should be chosen by the candidate and must reflect (an) aspect(s) of life in an
Urdu-speaking community or Urdu-speaking culture.
Candidates may prepare a single ‘cue card’ in Urdu to bring into the examination room. This should be no
larger than a postcard, and could contain a maximum of five headings to remind candidates of the points
they wish to make. Candidates may also bring in a limited quantity of illustrative material, which may include
maps, diagrams, statistics and pictures. A script of their presentation is not allowed.
Part 2
3–4 minute discussion with the examiner following on from the presentation [20 marks]
Part 3
3–4 minute conversation with the examiner about general topics (see pages 17 and 18). [20 marks]
At least two topics will be covered in the general conversation: one from Areas A–B and one from Areas
C–E. The candidate will not know in advance which topics will be covered by the examiner. Topics must be
chosen so as not to overlap with the content of the presentation.
Area A Everyday activities

Home life and school Home life A1
School routine A2
Eating and drinking A3
Health and fitness A4
Area B Personal and social life

Self, family and personal relationships Self, family, personal relationships B1
Everyday life B2
Eating out B3
Holidays Holidays B4
Area C The world around us

Home town and local area Home town and geographical surroundings C1
Clothes C2
Shopping C3
Public services, customs, etc. C4
Natural and man-made environment Weather C5
Finding the way C6
People, places and customs Meeting and greeting phrases C7
Travel and transport C8
Famous sites and famous cities C9
Animals C10
Area D The world of work

Continuing education Further education and training D1
Careers and employment Future career plans D2
Employment D3
Area E The international world

Tourism at home and abroad Holiday travel and transport (see also C8) E1
Geographical surroundings (see also C1) E2
Weather (see also C5) E3
Life in other countries Places and customs E4
Food and drink (see also A3) E5
Meeting people (see also C7) E6
Examples illustrating the depth and scope to which the topic areas should be covered in the general
conversation section are given below:
• Area A: Everyday activities
Areas of discussion might include, for example, how you help in the house, school discipline, dangers of
smoking.
• Area B: Personal and social life

Areas of discussion might include, for example, responsibilities of having younger siblings, the
advantages and disadvantages of tourists for your country.
• Area C: The world around us

Areas of discussion might include, for example, the advantages and disadvantages of living in the
country or in a town.
• Area D: The world of work

Areas of discussion might include, for example, the advantages and disadvantages of going to university/
going to work/having a gap year straight after school.
• Area E: The international world

Areas of discussion might include, for example, the dangers of eating too much, the value of travel for
young people.
Part 1: Individual Presentation

Assessment objective S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
Task A presentation on a topic/issue of interest to the candidate relating to (an)
aspect(s) of life in an Urdu-speaking community or Urdu-speaking culture.
The candidate will talk for about 2–3 minutes on their chosen topic.
Total marks 20
Part 2: Discussion with the Examiner

Assessment objective S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
Task The presentation will lead into a 3–4 minute discussion with the examiner
about the topic.
Total marks 20
Part 3: Conversation with the Examiner

Assessment objective S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
Task Following on from Part 2, the examiner will have a 3–4 minute conversation
on general topics with the candidate.
Total marks 20
Dictionaries may not be taken into the test.
Administration of the Speaking Test
7. Administration of the Speaking Test
This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Component 5 description (Section 6) and the mark
schemes (this section). There is no question paper for Component 5, the Speaking Test. Information on how
to conduct and assess the Speaking Test, and the forms required for assessment, are all provided in this
syllabus.
7.1 Conducting the Speaking Test

Candidates must be examined singly. Only one examiner may conduct the test. No other person should
normally be present during the examination. In order to put candidates at their ease when they enter the
room, the examiner should smile and indicate where the candidate should sit. A good examiner will usually
send a candidate out of the interview smiling, no matter how good or bad their performance.
Other instructions for examiners:

• do not smoke in the examination room
• do not walk about or distract the candidate in any way, for example by doodling or fiddling with papers
• always appear interested, even in mundane matters
• never show undue surprise, impatience or mockery
• never correct a candidate.
7.2 Administrative arrangements

7.2.1 Timing
The Speaking Test takes place before the main examination period: between 1 March and 30 April.
Each Centre decides on a convenient period within these dates for its Speaking Tests.
Refer to Section 7.3 for information regarding the arrangements for external moderation.
7.2.2 Appointment of examiners

Each Centre selects its own examiner to conduct and assess the Speaking Test. This is normally a teacher
from within the languages department, but could be someone local from outside the Centre.
In the interests of standardisation, only one examiner should be appointed per Centre. Where a Centre
wishes to use (an) additional examiner(s) because it has large numbers of candidates, permission to do so
must be sought from the Languages Group at Cambridge well before the start of each Speaking Test period.
Permission to use more than one examiner will only be granted on the understanding that examiners at the
Centre work together to ensure a common approach to the conduct of the Speaking Test and the application
of the mark scheme. The sample that the Centre submits to Cambridge should include the work of each
examiner and a Working Mark Sheet should be submitted for each examiner, with candidate names and
numbers clearly entered.
7.2.3 Mark sheets

Two types of mark sheet are provided:
(a) The Working Mark Sheet is a working document to be completed during each candidate’s Speaking
Test. Candidates must be marked as they are being examined and not afterwards from a recording. The
marks for each section of the test must be entered. All addition must be carefully checked.
The form, and the instructions for completing it, may be downloaded from www.cie.org.uk/samples. The
database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0539) and your Centre number, after which it will take you to
the correct forms. Follow the instructions when completing each form.
(b) The total marks recorded on the Working Mark Sheet(s) must be transferred to the computer-printed
Internal Assessment Mark Sheet(s) (MS1) provided by Cambridge (or to computer for Centres
submitting marks electronically). All transcriptions must be checked carefully.
7.2.4 Arrangements for the examination

Examination conditions must prevail in the area where the examination takes place. Supervision should be
provided to ensure candidates leaving the examination room do not communicate with those waiting to
enter.
7.2.5 Selecting a sample to send to Cambridge

Go to www.cie.org.uk/samples for details of which candidates are to be included in the sample.
7.2.6 Recording of candidates

The Centre is responsible for supplying blank cassettes/CDs for the recording of its moderation
sample: these will not be supplied by Cambridge. The Centre is also responsible for supplying recording
equipment (e.g. cassette recorder and microphone). All recording equipment, including cassettes/CDs,
must be of as high a standard as possible to ensure that moderation samples are clearly audible. In order to
ensure that recording levels are satisfactory for both candidates and examiners, the equipment to be used
must be tested in situ some time before the actual examination, ideally with one of the candidates.
If at all possible, external microphones should be used so that separate microphones can be used for the
candidate and the examiner. If only one microphone is used, it should be placed nearer to the candidate
than to the examiner. With a softly-spoken candidate, the microphone should be placed even nearer to the
candidate before the start of the examination. Moderation samples must be recorded at normal speed onto
either C90 audiocassettes or standard format CDs. Mini cassettes and mini CDs must not be used. Where
Centres make use of digital recording software, each candidate’s file must be saved individually and
saved as .mp3 so that it can be accessed for the purposes of moderation.
The recording must not be stopped once a candidate’s examination has started.
Each cassette/CD must be introduced by the teacher/examiner, as follows:

‘Cassette/CD number...
Centre number e.g. PK215
Centre name e.g. King’s College
Examination number 0539
Examination name Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language
Name of Examiner e.g. Mr R Peters
Date e.g. 2nd March 2015’
Each candidate must be introduced by the examiner, as follows:

‘Candidate Number e.g. 047
Candidate Name e.g. William Lee
After the last recording on side A of a cassette the examiner must announce ‘No more recordings on
this side. Recording continues on side B.’ Cassettes must be wound on to the end before turning over or
starting a new cassette. After the last candidate on each cassette, the examiner must announce ‘end of
cassette no. ...’; and after the last candidate on the last cassette ‘end of examination’.
The contents of each cassette/CD should be clearly labelled.
Each recorded file on the CD must be clearly named using the following convention:
Centre number_candidate number_0539_05.
Before cassettes/CDs are despatched, spot checks must be made to ensure that every candidate is
clearly audible. Cassettes must then be rewound to the start of side 1.
If for any reason the cassette/CD has failed to record, or there are problems with the audibility of the
recordings, the Centre must contact Cambridge Customer Services immediately to seek advice.
7.2.7 Internal moderation

Where Centres with large numbers of candidates request permission from Cambridge to use more than
one examiner to conduct and assess the Speaking Test for their candidates, this will be granted on the
understanding that the following procedures are put in place. The purpose of these procedures is to ensure
that marks submitted by the Centre are consistent for all candidates, irrespective of which examiner
conducted and assessed the examination.
• The examiners conducting and assessing Speaking Tests at the Centre must work together to ensure a
common approach to the conduct of the Speaking Test and the application of the mark scheme.
• One examiner at the Centre must take responsibility for the standardisation of the marking of examiners
at the Centre. This person must ensure that all candidates taking the 0539/05 Speaking Test at the
Centre are judged against the same standards and that a valid rank order of candidates for the Centre
as a whole is produced. Standardisation can take various forms, but the initial marking of each candidate
must be done as the test is being conducted and not on the basis of a recording.
• The Speaking Tests of all candidates at the Centre must be recorded. A single recorded sample for
external moderation should then be produced according to the instructions in Section 7.3.1 with the
additional requirement that the sample should, as far as possible, include equal numbers of recordings
from each examiner used at the Centre. A Working Mark Sheet should be submitted for each examiner.
• The final column on the Working Mark Sheet (Internally Moderated Mark) must be used to record
the results of internal moderation and details of the Centre’s internal moderation procedures must be
enclosed with the materials for external moderation.
7.3 Arrangements for external moderation

7.3.1 External moderation
External moderation of internal assessment is carried out by Cambridge.
• Centres must submit the internally assessed marks of all candidates to Cambridge.
• Centres must also submit the internally assessed Speaking Test recordings of a sample of candidates
to Cambridge. Go to www.cie.org.uk/samples for details of which candidates are to be included in the
sample.
The deadlines and methods for submitting internally assessed marks and work are in the Cambridge
Administrative Guide available on our website.
7.3.2 Despatch of materials to Cambridge for external moderation

(a) Mark sheets and recordings must be returned to Cambridge as soon as all the Speaking Tests have
been completed. The deadline for receipt by Cambridge of these items is 15 May for the June
examination series. Centres must not wait until the end of the assessment period before despatching
them.
(b) (i) The Board copy of the completed Internal Assessment Mark Sheet (MS1) must be returned to
Cambridge in the separate envelope provided, if the Centre is not submitting marks electronically.
(ii) The following items must be sent, to reach Cambridge by no later than 15 May for the June
examination:
• the moderator copy of the completed Internal Assessment Mark Sheet (MS1) or a signed print-out of
the marks file for Centres submitting marks electronically
• a copy of the completed Working Mark Sheet
• the recorded sample
• details of internal moderation procedures (only for Centres permitted to use more than one
examiner)
• a copy of the completed Cover Sheet for Moderation Sample. This form may be downloaded from
www.cie.org.uk/samples. The database will ask you for the syllabus code (i.e. 0539) and your
Centre number, after which it will take you to the correct form.
(c) Copies of both types of mark sheet must be retained by the Centre in case of postal losses or delays.
7.4 Speaking Assessment Criteria grid (0539/05)

Part 1: Presentation [Total: 20 marks]
Enter the separate marks for Content and Presentation [max. 10 marks]; Vocabulary, Pronunciation and
Intonation [max. 5 marks]; and Structures [5 marks]; onto the Working Mark Sheet.
Content and Presentation Vocabulary, Pronunciation Structures

Knowledge of facts; ability to and Intonation
express opinions and raise
issues for discussion.
Very Good
9/10 • Full and well organised 5 • Uses a wide range of 5 • Uses a variety of
coverage of the topic precise vocabulary complex structures
• Ideas and opinions • Achieves shades of • Generally accurate
included as well as meaning
factual points • Successfully
• Lively presentation communicates
• Examiner’s interest fully sophisticated ideas and
sustained information
• Vocabulary generally
accurate
• Pronunciation and
intonation are clear
Good
7/8 • Good coverage and 4 • Uses a sufficient range 4 • Uses some complex
sound organisation of of vocabulary, which structures and a range
the topic sometimes lacks of simple structures
• Makes relevant factual precision • Errors do not impede
points with some ideas • Vocabulary errors do not communication
and opinions impede communication
• Presentation somewhat • Pronunciation and
stilted intonation are generally
• Examiner’s interest clear
sustained
Satisfactory
5/6 • Adequate coverage 3 • Uses a limited range 3 • Generally uses simple
of the topic, generally of vocabulary which structures
organised conveys simple ideas • Errors occur when
• Includes some factual and information clearly complex structures are
points with few ideas but lacks precision attempted
or opinions • Hesitates and searches • Simple structures used
• Presentation is for words when going generally accurately
pedestrian beyond simplicity
• Any errors in
• Examiner’s interest • Vocabulary errors do simple structures
generally sustained not usually impede do not impede
communication communication
intonation sometimes
lack clarity but
communication is not
impeded
Weak
3/4 • Thin coverage of 2 • Uses a very limited range 2 • Generally uses very
the topic, lacking of vocabulary which is simple structures,
organisation sometimes inadequate such as single-word
• Few ideas or opinions to convey even simple responses
ideas • Errors often occur
• Mostly coherent but
weak presentation • Pauses frequently and some impede
• Vocabulary errors often communication
• Examiner’s interest
sometimes not impede communication
sustained • Pronunciation and
intonation cause
some communication
difficulties
Poor
1/2 • Very thin and often 1 • Uses enough words to 1 • Uses only very simple
irrelevant coverage convey only very short structures
• Very little factual pieces of information • Errors often impede
information, only vague • Conversation is limited communication
ideas and opinions and confused
• Incoherent presentation • Pronunciation and
• Examiner’s interest is intonation cause
not sustained frequent communication
difficulties
0 No rewardable content 0 No rewardable output 0 No rewardable output
Part 2: Topic Conversation [Total: 20 marks] and Part 3: General Conversation [Total 20 marks]
Enter the separate marks for Comprehension and Responsiveness [max. 10 marks]; Vocabulary,
Pronunciation and Intonation [max. 5 marks]; and Structures [5 marks] onto the Working Mark Sheet.
This grid is used for both Parts 2 and 3 and should be applied separately for each part.
Comprehension and Vocabulary Structures

Responsiveness
Very Good
9/10 • No problems of 5 • Uses a wide range of 5 • Uses a variety of
comprehension precise vocabulary complex structures
• Responses are natural • Achieves shades of • Generally accurate
and spontaneous meaning
even to unexpected • Successfully
questions and to communicates
changes in direction of sophisticated ideas and
the conversation information
• Able to present and • Vocabulary generally
defend a point of view accurate
• Shows sustained ability
to initiate and maintain
conversation and to
contribute at some
length
intonation are clear
Good
7/8 • Few problems of 4 • Uses a sufficient range 4 • Uses some complex
comprehension of vocabulary, which structures and a range
• Responds thoughtfully, sometimes lacks of simple structures
and copes reasonably precision • Errors do not impede
well with unexpected • Vocabulary errors communication
questions and with do not impede
changes in direction of communication
the conversation
• Reasonably
forthcoming but tends
to follow examiner’s
lead
• Responds relevantly
and at a length to
questions which makes
frequent prompting
unnecessary
intonation are generally
clear
Satisfactory
5/6 • Understands discussion 3 • Uses a limited range 3 • Generally uses simple
around basic situations of vocabulary which structures
and concepts, but has conveys simple ideas • Errors occur when
difficulty with more and information clearly complex structures are
complex ideas but lacks precision attempted
• Some delay in response • Hesitates and searches • Simple structures used
• Needs prompting for words when going generally accurately
and encouragement beyond simplicity
• Any errors in simple
to develop topics but • Vocabulary errors do structures do not
attempts to keep the not usually impede impede communication
conversation going communication
• May rely heavily on
seemingly prepared
responses
intonation sometimes
lack clarity but
communication is not
impeded
Weak
3/4 • Generally has difficulty 2 • Uses a very limited 2 • Generally uses very
understanding range of vocabulary simple structures,
• Responses to questions which is sometimes such as single word
raised on the majority inadequate to convey responses
of topics are limited and even simple ideas • Errors often occur
brief • Pauses frequently and some impede
• Needs prompting and • Vocabulary errors often communication
encouragement to go impede communication
beyond single word
responses
intonation cause
some communication
difficulties
Poor
1/2 • Severe problems of 1 • Uses enough words to 1 • Uses only very simple
comprehension convey only very short structures
• Very marked hesitation. pieces of information • Errors often impede
Limited responsiveness • Conversation is limited communication
• Responses are so brief and confused
and imprecise that little
is communicated
• Pronunciation
and intonation
cause frequent
communication
difficulties
0 No rewardable output 0 No rewardable output 0 No rewardable output
Other information
8. Other information
Equality and inclusion

Cambridge International Examinations has taken great care in the preparation of this syllabus and
assessment materials to avoid bias of any kind. To comply with the UK Equality Act (2010), Cambridge has
designed this qualification with the aim of avoiding direct and indirect discrimination.
The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities
or learning difficulties. Arrangements can be put in place for these candidates to enable them to access the
assessments and receive recognition of their attainment. Access arrangements will not be agreed if they
give candidates an unfair advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who are unable to access the assessment of any component may be eligible to receive an
award based on the parts of the assessment they have taken.
Information on access arrangements is found in the Cambridge Handbook which can be downloaded from
the website www.cie.org.uk/examsofficer
Language
This syllabus is available in English only. The assessment materials are written in Urdu.
Grading and reporting

Cambridge IGCSE results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F or G indicating the standard
achieved, A* being the highest and G the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ indicates that the candidate’s performance fell
short of the standard required for grade G. ‘Ungraded’ will be reported on the statement of results but not
on the certificate. The letters Q (result pending), X (no results) and Y (to be issued) may also appear on the
statement of results but not on the certificate.
Entry codes
To maintain the security of our examinations, we produce question papers for different areas of the world,
known as ‘administrative zones’. Where the component entry code has two digits, the first digit is the
component number given in the syllabus. The second digit is the location code, specific to an administrative
zone. Information about entry codes can be found in the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.
Cambridge International Examinations
1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 553554 Fax: +44 (0)1223 553558
Email: info@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations
© Cambridge International Examinations 2014
*6918185900*

Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE Urdu As A Second Language

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SYLLABUS

® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations

© Cambridge International Examinations 2014

3. Assessment at a glance ................................................................................................. 6

4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives ..................................................................... 8

5. Syllabus content ........................................................................................................... 12

6. Description of components .......................................................................................... 14

7. Administration of the Speaking Test ............................................................................ 19

8. Other information ......................................................................................................... 27

1.1 Why choose Cambridge?

Cambridge IGCSE® (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is internationally

Cambridge programmes and qualifications are designed to support learners in becoming:

Support for teachers

Support for exams officers

Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge

1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE?

Guided learning hours

1.3 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Urdu as a Second Language?

1.4 Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education)

Urdu as a Second Language (0539) falls into Group 1, Languages.

Learn more about Cambridge ICE at www.cie.org.uk/cambridgesecondary2

1.5 How can I find out more?

If you are not yet a Cambridge school

2.1 Support materials

2.2 Resource lists

3.1 Scheme of assessment

Candidates may choose to take a third component: Component 5 Speaking.

Paper 1 (Compulsory) Duration Weighting

Reading and Writing 2 hours 67%

Paper 2 (Compulsory) Duration Weighting

Listening Approx. 35–45 minutes 33%

Component 5 (Optional) Duration Weighting

Component 5 Speaking 10–12 minutes N/A

This syllabus is available to private candidates.

Detailed timetables are available from www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

3.3 Combining this with other syllabuses

4. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

4.1 Syllabus aims

4.2 Assessment objectives

AO1: READING – Understand and respond to written language

AO2: WRITING – Communicate clearly, accurately and appropriately in writing

AO3: LISTENING – Understand and respond to spoken language

AO4: SPEAKING – Understand and respond to spoken language

4.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components

Weighting of assessment objectives

4.4 Grade descriptions

At Grade A, the candidate has demonstrated expertise by:

At Grade C, the candidate has demonstrated competence by:

At Grade F, the candidate has demonstrated a basic level of competence by:

Reading All candidates should be able to:

In addition, candidates aiming for grades C–A* should be able to:

Writing All candidates should be able to:

In addition, candidates aiming for grades C–A* should be able to:

Listening All candidates should be able to:

In addition, candidates aiming for grades C–A* should be able to:

Speaking All candidates should be able to:

In addition, candidates aiming for grades C–A* should be able to:

6.1 Paper 1: Reading and Writing

6.2 Paper 2: Listening

6.3 Component 5: Speaking (optional)

There will be three parts to the test:

Area A Everyday activities

Area B Personal and social life